HARRISBURG, PA — In an enforcement action by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, a Warren County property management company, Miller Properties Group, LLC, and its owner, Jason Miller, have reached a settlement over allegations of unlawfully shutting off water to occupied rental properties. This case underscores the legal boundaries within which landlords must operate, emphasizing that “self-help” eviction methods — acts by a landlord to force a tenant out without legal proceedings — are not only frowned upon but are illegal.
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Tuesday that the settlement comes in response to complaints from tenants who suddenly found themselves without water, a basic necessity, allegedly as a pressure tactic for eviction or rent payment. The actions of Miller Properties Group were found to be in violation of the Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Act, which mandates a court order of possession before any eviction process can commence.
This incident shines a light on the broader issue of self-help evictions, a practice where landlords might opt for immediate, though illegal, methods to remove tenants or enforce rent collection. This case demonstrates the state’s firm stance against such practices, with Henry stating, “This action should send a message to property owners — self-help is not a legal option.”
Furthermore, the settlement addresses violations of the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (FCEUA), which sets forth the rules for debt collection within the state, including prohibiting actions to dispossess a debtor of property unlawfully. This highlights another layer of legal obligations for landlords in their dealings with tenants, especially in financial disputes.
Miller Properties Group has agreed to turn the water back on for affected properties and pursue any future evictions in accordance with legal procedures. Additionally, the settlement includes an assurance of voluntary compliance filed with the Common Pleas Court of Warren County and a civil penalty of $500 to signal compliance with state laws moving forward.
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